Tougher sentence for petrol-bomb teen after case reviewed

A 15-year-old once praised by a magistrate as an "outstanding kid" has been sentenced to a detention center for throwing petrol bombs following a sentence appeal.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had originally been placed on 18 months' probation after pleading guilty to arson and possession of tools for damaging property, including nine months in a juvenile home.

The justice department appealed, saying the sentence - for throwing three petrol bombs in Yuen Long on January 18 - was insufficient to reflect the seriousness of the crime.

During his sentencing on May 26, Tuen Mun Court magistrate Kelly Shui had praised the teenager multiple times, saying she admired him for loving Hong Kong from a young age.

Passing sentence yesterday, Chief Judge of the High Court Jeremy Poon Shiu-chor voiced reservations on Shui's praise of the boy.

Poon heard the case together with Court of Appeal Justice Derek Pang Wai-cheong and Court of First Instance Justice Anthea Pang Po-kam.

They ruled that Shui was wrong in principle and the sentence was too light.

Poon questioned Shui's objectivity in handing her ruling and whether there was evidence to support her admiration for the teen, including praising him as an "outstanding kid."

Detention centers are an alternative to imprisonment for male offenders from age 14 to 24, where they undergo hard physical labor and discipline.

The period of detention will be decided by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, ranging from one to six months.

maisy.mok@singtaonewscorp.com